Dallas-based Baylor Scott & White Health fired John Palmer, MD, — a pediatric pulmonologist at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Hospital in Temple, Texas — after authorities found child pornography in a locked drawer in his office at the hospital, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Dr. Palmer, who was arrested April 20, faces one count of possession of child pornography and could spend up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted.
The investigation into Dr. Palmer began after child porn was found on an online storage account he used. On April 18, authorities searched Dr. Palmer's office in the children's hospital and found a locked drawer with a laptop and three hard drives. One of the hard drives contained "numerous" files depicting young children engaging in sex acts, according to the report.
Dr. Palmer denied knowing about the child pornography. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 24.